How Prince Andrew's Removal of Titles Means for Sarah Ferguson, Beatrice and Eugenie

York Family Figures

The Duke's exit from the final remnants of monarchical duties has not only reshaped his future - it's creating waves through his immediate relatives too.

Sarah Ferguson's New Status

His ex-wife has now surrendered her ducal status and will simply be known as Sarah Ferguson.

For Ferguson, sixty-six, the transition will be the most visible.

For all these years, she has maintained the honorary royal divorcee title Sarah, York Duchess. Now, she returns to her maiden name of Ferguson.

"She has lost a bit of cachet over this," said one monarchy expert. "She certainly utilizes the title – including her social media profile is @SarahTheDuchess."

But the relinquishment of her status may impact her much less than the scandal she's facing separately about her own links with Jeffrey Epstein.

Last month, multiple organizations removed her as patron after correspondence from 2011 showed that she referred to Epstein her "supreme friend" and seemed to apologise for her public criticism of him.

Professional Endeavors and Philanthropy

Away from her philanthropy, Ferguson also has multiple commercial enterprises.

And these ventures, are more likely to be impacted by the Epstein scandal than any change in title, says one monarchy analyst.

But Ferguson has been a remarkable endure in royal circles. She's kept bouncing back.

"She is the ultimate survivor and master of reinvention," said one royal author.

The Daughters

Princess Beatrice at event
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie pictured at a Coronation Big Lunch in 2023

For the couple's offspring, Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, thirty-five, there's no formal change.

They continue to be referred to as princesses, which they have been entitled to since birth.

There is also no change to the royal succession order.

Andrew remains eighth position to the throne, succeeded by his daughters Beatrice and Eugenie, in ninth and twelfth position in that order.

But in reality their positions are "distant" and will probably become even more remote as years pass.

Coming Opportunities

The princesses are also presently non-official royals, and while they occasionally take on roles – The younger princess was recently named as a mentor for the King's Foundation program – commentators also say they "don't envision a scenario" in which they would advance into official responsibilities.

"Regarding Beatrice and Eugenie are concerned, I think there's an understanding of the fact that this controversy isn't about them, and it's not fair for it to impact them directly in the separate paths they are carving out for themselves," explains one royal commentator.

"Their daughters are particularly unlucky victims, they've had to endure quietly and have been composed in their reserve," adds another monarchy writer.

Ultimate Consequences

In the end, there appears to be little doubt that the individual who will be most affected by these developments will be the Duke himself.

For someone who always liked the trappings of royalty, the pomp and the pageantry, the relinquishment of his honors is profoundly embarrassing.

Therefore lacking these, on a individual basis, will really matter.

Erin Kennedy
Erin Kennedy

A tech enthusiast and lifestyle blogger passionate about sharing practical tips and inspiring stories.

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